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Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... One (1) year or more of experience in the chemical or refinery industries preferred. Are you ready ...

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... One (1) year or more of experience in the chemical or refinery industries preferred. Are you ready ...

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... One (1) year or more of experience in the chemical or refinery industries preferred. Are you ready ...

Operator Trainee

Tuscaloosa, AL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Learns and/or knows Hunt Refining Company's safety policies and their use in all work activities ... Learns and/or knows hazards associated with various operating equipment in the area. Learns and/or ...

Operator Trainee

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

... • Learns and/or knows Hunt Refining Company's safety policies and their use in all work ... Provides feedback to the Console Operator when lighting the heaters in the field. • Works to ...

... refinery and natural gas coproducts. Oxbow produces and distributes calcined and fuel grade ... Oxbow is currently looking for an Operator Trainee 1 to join our team in Texas City, Texas. This ...

Terminal Operator

Linden, NJ · On-site

$33.50/hr

... Trainee is responsible for operating all Terminal equipment in connection with receiving, storing, transferring, and loading of refined petroleum products in a reliable and efficient manner while in ...

Terminal Operator

Linden, NJ · On-site

$33.50/hr

... Trainee is responsible for operating all Terminal equipment in connection with receiving, storing, transferring, and loading of refined petroleum products in a reliable and efficient manner while in ...

Must be willing to live in North Pole or a reasonable distance from the refinery for callouts ... Complete all required Operator Trainee training. * Must have a valid driver's license and working ...

We refine chemical material solutions with game-changing products. Let us empower you to push ... WHAT WE OFFER The Specialty Films site in North America is seeking a Regrind Operator Trainee to ...

We refine chemical material solutions with game-changing products. Let us empower you to push ... WHAT WE OFFER The Specialty Films site in North America is seeking a Regrind Operator Trainee to ...

... refinery and natural gas coproducts. Oxbow produces and distributes calcined and fuel grade ... Oxbow is currently looking for an Operator Trainee 1 to join our team in Texas City, Texas. This ...

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Refinery Operator Trainee information

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$36

How much do refinery operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator trainee in the United States is $20.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Refinery Operator Trainee do?

A Refinery Operator Trainee learns how to monitor and control the equipment and processes involved in turning crude oil into usable products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They receive on-the-job training to understand safety protocols, read gauges, adjust controls, and troubleshoot issues within the refinery. Trainees often work under the supervision of experienced operators and gradually take on more responsibilities as they gain experience and knowledge. This role is essential for maintaining efficient and safe refinery operations.

What are some typical challenges a Refinery Operator Trainee may face during their initial training period?

As a Refinery Operator Trainee, you may encounter challenges such as mastering complex control systems, understanding detailed safety protocols, and adapting to shift work, which often includes nights and weekends. The learning curve can be steep due to the technical nature of the processes and the need to respond quickly and accurately to potential operational issues. However, most facilities provide structured training programs and mentorship to help trainees build confidence and competence in both routine operations and emergency responses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Refinery Operator Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refinery Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of industrial safety, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with process control systems, instrumentation, and safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable refinery operations in a hazardous environment.

What is a refinery operator trainee?

A refinery operator trainee is an entry-level position in a refinery where individuals learn to operate and monitor equipment used in processing crude oil into various products. Trainees typically receive on-the-job training and may need to obtain safety certifications before advancing to full operator roles.

Is it hard to get into the refinery?

Becoming a refinery operator trainee can be competitive due to the specialized skills required, such as understanding safety protocols and operating complex equipment. Candidates often need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may require technical training or certifications. Entry may involve passing assessments and demonstrating safety awareness, but opportunities are available for those with the right qualifications and training.

How much does a refinery operator trainee make at Valero?

A refinery operator trainee at Valero typically earns around $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience and location. The role involves learning to operate and monitor refinery equipment, often requiring safety certifications and technical skills.

How hard is it to become a refinery operator?

Becoming a refinery operator trainee typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or technical education. The role involves learning complex processes, safety protocols, and operating specialized equipment, which can take several months to years to master depending on the program and individual aptitude.

What is the difference between Refinery Operator Trainee vs Refinery Operator?

AspectRefinery Operator TraineeRefinery Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic safety and technical trainingAdditional experience and certifications; advanced technical skills
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning-focusedOperational, hands-on, responsible for daily plant operations
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning safety procedures, basic equipment operationMonitoring processes, adjusting equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency

The main difference is that a Refinery Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, focusing on gaining skills and certifications, while a Refinery Operator is fully responsible for plant operations. Trainees are supervised and gaining experience, whereas operators perform routine and complex tasks independently.

More about Refinery Operator Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Refinery Operator Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Refinery Operator Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Refinery Operator jobs? The most popular types of Refinery Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Refinery Operator Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Refinery Operator Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,512 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Operator Trainee: The Impact You’ll Have On The Organization and World

  • You’ll help us achieve operational excellence. As an Operator Trainee, you will ensure high-quality standards that help our organization to consistently meet production goals and enhance overall operational efficiency. 
  • You’ll be a key member of a dynamic team that’s built on open communication, trust and transparency.
  • You’ll collaborate to carry out various manufacturing tasks, such as operating machinery, monitoring production processes, and ensuring quality control.
  • You’ll build a meaningful career. At Bakelite, you’ll be supported by ongoing learning and development through our well-established training and certification program, designed to help you advance and grow professionally. 
  • You’ll play a critical role in Safety and Reliability. You’llhelp us further strengthen our commitment to safety by adhering to all plant health, safety, and environmental guidelines and effectively troubleshooting equipment issues.

It's Better with Bakelite: Our Commitment Back to You  

  • You’ll Help Shape Our Future. As a Bakelite associate, your part of a diverse, global population creating the next generation of the company and we expect you to put your fingerprint on it. 
  • We Champion Our Associates. At Bakelite, you don’t just climb the career ladder – you pave your personal path through continued learning and development.  
  • Together, We Will Protect the Planet. From our processes to our products, we are focusing on the opportunities that both grow our profitability as a company and improve and protect the planet.
  • Safety is a Core Value. At Bakelite, safety is a 24/7 mindset. We are all safe today to ensure we are able to show up tomorrow – for our families and friends, for each other and for our communities. 
  • We Care. Plain and simple, we care about our associates. From the top on down, we place a high value on our culture and the associate experience. We offer competitive compensation, robust benefits and support our associates every step of their career.

Life in Conway, NC: Located in the eastern part of the state, Conway is a small North Carolina town within 100 miles of Richmond, Norfolk-Virginia Beach and the Raleigh-Durham area.   

  • Our Conway team has strong ties to the local community. We recently sponsored the town’s annual charity golf tournament, and several of our associates are active in the volunteer Conway Fire Department, to which Bakelite donates essential emergency services equipment.
  • A nearby attraction is the Roanoke River, which flows across North Carolina’s coastal plain and is home to lots of wildlife, including more than 200 species of birds.
  • You can also explore the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail, which highlights the historical significance the canal system played in westward expansion and trade. With the Norfolk International Airport just an hour and a half away, you can easily hop a flight to anywhere in the world.
  • Learn more about Conway

What Does a Typical Day Look Like? Here are your primary responsibilities:  

  • Loading and unloading raw materials and finished goods in accordance with customer and chemical specifications. Training and skill development to advance in production, learning to operate and monitor chemical reaction process to manufacture polymer resins, industrial chemicals and raw materials. 
  • Monitoring equipment and performing minor troubleshooting to ensure optimal production and minimal downtime.
  • Using a computer to document data such as shipping and receiving information and manufacturing processes.
  • Working in outside weather conditions as well as in an industrial environment, at heights and in confined spaces.
  • Adhering to all plant health, safety, and environmental guidelines, policies and procedures by wearing necessary Personal Protection equipment (PPE), i.e., hard hats, safety glasses, face shield, chemical suit, respirator, ear plugs, hearing protection, steel-toe boots or safety shoes and other PPE required by specific jobs.
  • Meeting and exceeding production goals while maintaining a focus on safety, meeting the physical and safety requirements of the job, and working a rotating shift schedule in a 24/7 operations, including nights, weekends and holidays.

What is Needed to be Successful in this Role (Required Skills/Abilities): 

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Experience operating a forklift.
  • At least two (2) years of continuous employment in the last four (4) years preferred.
  • One (1) year or more of experience in an industrial, warehouse, military, farming, construction, mechanical or production environment.
  • One (1) year or more of experience using a computer or tablet to record information and using a computer for data entry of record keeping documentation, shipping and receiving information, or manufacturing processes documentation.
  • One (1) year or more of experience in the chemical or refinery industries preferred.

Are you ready to help us build a better tomorrow and put your fingerprints on the world?  Apply for this exciting opportunity, and learn more about our hiring process, insights from our global associates, our robust benefits and more at Bakelite.com/careers. Town of Conway, NC Official Website - HomeÂ